Newton policeman’s rank rests with commission

The Newton Civil Service Commission convened this week to decide if a state legislator should keep his title of police lieutenant or be demoted. State Representative Paul Bell, a democrat from Newton, was demoted to patrol officer after a police computer was used to access Internet porn. Bell says he didn’t do it, but the officers under his supervision did without his knowledge. Newton police chief Tom Wardlow says Bell has proven he shouldn’t be a supervisor, saying he doesn’t feel he can trust Bell to make appropriate decisions.Bell has been on the Newton police force for 27 years. His superiors have also cited Bell for doing legislative work and watching t-v while on duty, giving rides to family members in his police car, and leaving work early without notifying others on his shift.